When Thelonious Monk signed with Riverside Records in the mid-fifties, producer Orrin Keepnews had elaborate plans for selling Monk to the greater jazz world, plans that included de-emphasizing Monk’s original compositions. Somewhat miffed, Monk, who miffed easily, took a gig as a sideman on a date with saxophonist Gigi Gryce and used the date to premiere four of his original compositions, including “Brake’s Sake”. If Keepnews didn’t want his stuff, Monk knew who did. Wynton Marsalis (trumpet); Wycliffe Gordon (trombone); Wess Anderson (sax); Victor Goines (sax); Eric Reed (piano); Reginald Veal (bass); Herlin Riley (drums). Recorded at Dizzy’s Club in New York City, December 26, 2013. Posted by Wynton Marsalis
